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SKYWATCHERS 2Program Length: 55 minutes
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For thousands of years, ancient skywatchers kept an eye on the sky and by doing so they witnessed several intriguing and mysterious astronomical phenomena. They noticed lunar and solar eclipses, the aurora, and the phases of the Moon. They also noticed how the length of the day changes over the course of the year and how the location of sunrise and sunset also changes over the course of the year. Eventually all these observations were correctly interpreted and this provided them with some newfound knowledge, which helped to inform their daily living.
During this 55-minute program, your students will learn about eclipses, the aurora, and the phases of the Moon. Each of these astronomical phenomena will be demonstrated (simulated) inside the planetarium. In addition, where possible, time-lapse video of the astronomical phenomena will also be shown. Your students will also learn that the Earth rotates around its axis each day and that the axis is tilted with respect to the vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the orbital (horizontal) plane. Furthermore, your students will learn that this tilted axis is the reason for the seasons. Using the planetarium projector, your students will see the seasonal sun paths across the sky and witness for themselves how the length of day and night changes over the course of the year.
During this 55-minute program, your students will learn about eclipses, the aurora, and the phases of the Moon. Each of these astronomical phenomena will be demonstrated (simulated) inside the planetarium. In addition, where possible, time-lapse video of the astronomical phenomena will also be shown. Your students will also learn that the Earth rotates around its axis each day and that the axis is tilted with respect to the vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the orbital (horizontal) plane. Furthermore, your students will learn that this tilted axis is the reason for the seasons. Using the planetarium projector, your students will see the seasonal sun paths across the sky and witness for themselves how the length of day and night changes over the course of the year.
Learning Objectives
During this 55-minute program, your instructor will teach your students all (or most) of the following...
- Astronomical phenomena are observable events that happen among objects in space.
- Phases of the Moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and auroras are examples of astronomical phenomena.
- The Earth rotates around an imaginary line called the axis and the axis is tilted by approximately 23.5°.
- The tilt of the Earth's axis is the reason for the seasons.
- The seasons are defined by the equinoxes and solstices.
- The length of day and night changes over the course of the year and is related to the seasons.
- Seasons are experienced during different times of the year in the northern and southern hemispheres.
- In the northern hemisphere, auroras are referred to as the northern lights (aurora borealis).
- In the southern hemisphere, auroras are referred to as the southern lights (aurora australis).
- Some astronomical phenomena, such as Moon phases, have predictable patterns and cycles.
- Astronomical phenomena can be represented in ways that connect to daily life, such as a calendar.
- Observations and interpretations of astronomical phenomena can inform daily living.
Curriculum Connections
Organizing Idea:
Space: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
Space: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
Guiding Question:
How are astronomical phenomena observed and interpreted?
How are astronomical phenomena observed and interpreted?
This NEW AstroDome Planetarium program has been developed with the NEW Alberta science curriculum in mind. The learning objectives in this program come directly from the Knowledge, Understanding, Skills & Procedures (KUSP) portion of the "Space" component (Organizing Idea) located within the Grade 5 section of the NEW Alberta Education K-6 Science Curriculum.
Please note that many, but not all, of the KUSPs will be covered or touched upon during the 55-minute program.
Please note that many, but not all, of the KUSPs will be covered or touched upon during the 55-minute program.
Alberta Education - K-6 Science Curriculum - Grade 5 - "Space"
